Oil Pan Gasket Installation

[saltman]

A mechanic and I just pulled the pan on my 28 Coupe and followed up with a new/modern cork (thick rubbery) gasket set that Snyders sells. The install just was not that easy.. took both of us. Nonetheless, we meticulously cleaned both mating surfaces. The old one was paper and was peratexd fully on both sides.... it never leaked a drop.. nowhere! We did have to use some adhesive in spots to hold the new gasket to block. We had a very difficult time getting the bolts started due to the thickness/rigidity of this particular gasket set. The rear seal appeared to be 'too thick and ridgid' and was somewhat difficult to use. Regardless, after the install, I drove the vehicle about 6 miles home. And, upon inspection the pan gasket is leaking at both front and back at an unacceptable rate... Appears to be more leakage at the front. It doesn't suprise me that the rope seal will not seal due to the thickness of the side gaskets. Now, after studying more about this, we did NOT put a blob of sealant where the side gaskets and the end gaskets meet.. and, we did NOT put any sealant on the end bolts. Is this the source of the leaks??? I would like to make sure since I am going to have to do it again. But, I have to say, I just wasn't that happy with this thick/ridgid/cumbersome gasket set. It really doesn't surprise me that its leaking. So, since the permatexed paper gasket on it never leaked, it that really the way to go for a non leaking pan gasket? OK... the questions are a bit long-winded, but wanted to make my point clear. This is a constant problem among Model Aers and there should be a prefered gasket and method for all. Someone please address my problems... just plain disappointed considering the effort we made. Saltman